Jerry L. Wiley

Jerry L. Wiley, a master craftsman and talented artist, passed away unexpectedly from this life to be with our Heavenly Father at the age of 76 on Monday, October 3, 2022, at his home in Alma, Arkansas.

Jerry was born August 26, 1946, in Catcher, Arkansas. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He attended Van Buren High School and later became an expert at building custom cabinets for a living. While in his younger years, he met Mrs. Jeannine Wiley, now a retired schoolteacher. They married in 1978.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Jerry. He enjoyed an evening filled with friends and family. He had a passion for fishing, playing the guitar, listening to his shortwave radio, gardening, and woodworking. There wasn’t a home project too big he couldn’t tackle. Jerry enjoyed his retirement to the fullest and used his time to focus on his hobbies and projects.

He loved his family, friends, his dogs, overalls, and anything chocolate. He loved without reserve and gave of himself without hesitation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Flora (Rouw) Wiley; and four brothers, Kenneth “Sonny” Wiley, David Wiley, Jim Wiley, and Guy “Bud” Wiley.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannine of the home; three children, Kenny Wiley of Alma, Brian Wiley of Catcher, and Jay Flanagan of Dora; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at First Baptist Church – Fort Smith with cremation to follow, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

His friendliness and laughter were contagious to everyone he met. Jerry’s bright smile and loving heart will leave a beacon of light for all he left behind. He will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts.

Contributions to funeral expenses may be made to GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/644ef02e or to the funeral home directly.